Source:www.jimippolito.com

The only way to know if your photos are up to snuff is to elicit the opinions of strangers.

It does you no good to ask someone who depends on you to pay the rent if your pictures are good enough for "National Geographic".

Critiquing is different from commenting, or at least it should be. Comments usually reflect the observer's like or dislike of a picture based on his or her own taste for the subject matter, whereas a critique should deal with the technical aspects of a photograph, composition, exposure, lighting, etc.

"Photo.net" is an interesting and useful place for photographers, particularly digital photographers. I've visited the website for years for information of all sorts but I just noticed that members who post pictures can request critiques from other members.

I surfed around and checked out a number of amateur critiques and have come to the conclusion that it's worth a shot for those who would like an unbiased opinion of his or her work.

There are some people who don't get it and bash a photo only because they aren't a fan of the subject matter, but for the most part the members make an honest effort to be honest and objective about the technical merits of an image.

Here's the link to "Photo.net".

Check it out for its other features even if you aren't interested in what others think of your pictures.

I took today's photo right outside the door of a hotel in Long Beach, California. You never know where you'll find something of interest to capture; so keep a camera with you whenever possible.